One Year Later: Coach Gouard
One Year Later: Coach Gouard
By Staci Reafsnyder | Sports Editor
For over a year now, men’s basketball head coach Stan Gouard has been at the helm of Greyhound athletics. After former basketball coach, Todd Sturgeon had resigned Gouard was named head coach on April 3, 2008.
Director of Athletics, Sue Willey said she hired Gouard because of his character and his coaching potential.
“He was an outstanding player, and he’s a tremendous role model,” Willey said.
Coming in to this season, Gouard said that he was excited to start, and always envisioned himself as a coach ever since he was little.
“I can remember when I first took the job, and I was in awe the first few months because I couldn’t believe I was finally a head coach after years of hard work and dreaming of being here,” Gouard said. “I remember the first day of practice, and how excited I was to get on the basketball court.”
Gouard was assistant coach under Sturgeon from 2002-05, and was also assistant coach at Indiana State University.
“When I took the job [as head coach], people thought I was crazy,” Gouard said. “When they asked how good we were going to be, I said we were going to win every game and I still feel that way. Whether we go up against a No. 1 team in the country or the No. 50, whatever team in the country I feel every time we step on the court, we’re going to win a basketball game.”
Since becoming head coach of the UIndy basketball team, Gouard has seen a 9-14 overall record in his first season.
According to Willey, a change in coaches means an adjustment for everyone.
“Some teams, when they get in a hole, [they] kind of fold,” Willey said. “[Right now] they’re all on the same page, and I like what I’m seeing of late.”
Gouard said losing is something hard for him to accept because as a student at the University of Southern Indiana, the team was 82-12 in his four years.
“Unfortunately the year hasn’t been what I wanted it to be, but it’s been a learning experience not only for myself, but also for my coaching staff and my players,” Gouard said. “We’ve still got a ways to go, but I think we’re taking steps in the right direction.”
As of right now, the Greyhounds are averaging 72.9 points a game, holding their opponents to only 75.1 points a game. The team averages 34.4 rebounds and 12.2 assists in a game. The ‘Hounds have a .333 percentage from the three point line, averaging 5.7 three-pointers a game.
“To do it all [be a coach], and to see the big picture is really a dream come true,” Gouard said.
Head coach Stan Gouard stands on the sidelines at Nicoson Hall clapping and coaching his team. Gouard has been with the University of Indianapolis for almost a year now.
